US Bridges

US221 over US74

Fair

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR2171 · Structure no. 000000001610631

Built
1989
36 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
264 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over US74 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 over US74 in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 36 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,200 by 2040. The structure is 264 ft (80.4 m) long and 83 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221
CrossesUS74
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR2171
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3076, -81.92246
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length264 ft (80.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2021)
Projected traffic13,200 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 over US74 built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US221 over US74 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does US221 over US74 carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US221 over US74?

The structure is 264 ft (80.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns US221 over US74?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.